Strachan plays down Fir Park pitch factor during title run-in

Gordon Strachan has no qualms about Celtic possibly returning to Fir Park for a third time this season, despite insisting the surface is not even suitable for rugby.

The heavily sanded pitch has been criticised for most of the season, but the issue was brought into sharper focus after the Parkhead side drew 1-1 with Motherwell last week to leave them trailing Rangers at the top of the Premier League on goal difference.

Strachan (right), who tinkered with his line-up to adapt to the surface, castigated its condition after the game and the Lanarkshire club's inability to provide a decent pitch has been a talking point all week.

If Mark McGhee's side remain in the top six after the split, the SPL could make the champions visit Fir Park again in order to ensure an even split of 19 games home and away.

However, Strachan, preparing his side for the visit of St Mirren on Saturday, will not make a big deal about another trip to Lanarkshire.

"You've got to remember that it still produces good games," he said. "Everyone seemed to enjoy the game last week, there were talking points, goals, and tackles so the pitch can throw up a good game. We don't have a problem with the pitch, the problem is the team you are playing against."